Stampin' Up! Demonstrator - Mary Fish, Stampin' Pretty Blog, Stampin' Up! Card Ideas & Tutorials

MOJO192 Because I Care

This pretty hydrangea rubber stamp image is part of "Because I Care," one of the most coveted Stampin' Up! hostess rewards sets.  It's stunning when embossed in gold.

Earn FREE hostess rewards stamps (for example, Because I Care) and FREE merchandise when you place a Stampin' Up! product order of $150 or more.  DID YOU KNOW that hostess rewards are available with individual on-line orders, too?  What could be easier and so much fun!

HOSTESS BENEFITS CHART (Click to Enlarge)

  

Click for More Stampin' Up! Hostess Rewards Details!

I varied the this week's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge (MOJO192) a bit.  Remember that having a sketch is a real time saver.  However, you can always add your own creative spin.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• There's something so classy about layering White on White or Vanilla on Vanilla.  I used Very Vanilla on the focal point (including the mat below) for a faux dry embossed look.
• Allow your heat tool to warm up for about 5 seconds before applying heat to your image.  That way the heat will start to melt the powder vs. blowing a few flecks around (that melt in annoying places) because the air is still cool.  An Embossing Buddy helps, too.
• A single gold brad defines the corner.
• Swap the sentiment for a bridal message.  I think the formal look of this card would be appropriate for a wedding, too.

LOVE FREE PRODUCT?  Here are three great ways to earn free stamps and merchandise when you place an order with me (including my Stampin' Pretty Rewards Program)!

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Stamp Sets:  Because I Care (Hostess Level 1:  W118384, C120118)
Paper:  Very Vanilla (101650), Brushed Gold (102935)
Ink:  VersaMark (102283)
Cool Tools:  Eyelet Border Punch (119853), Scallop Oval Punch (119856), 1 3/4" x 7/8" Oval Punch (119855), Stampin' Up! Heat Tool (100005), Embossing Buddy (103083), Big Shot Die Cut Machine (113439), Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (120175)
The Perfect Touch:  Gold Embossing Powder (109129), Very Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (109071), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Pals Guest Stamper Linda C.

Playful, inventive and an amazing color combination!  Linda Callahan, one of the members of my Stampin' Pretty Pals, shares her "mad" design skills with this clever use of the new Stampin' Up! Baker's Twine (Early Esresso, 123124)) and Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (122464, watch my video using the punch here).  Doesn't this project motivate you to try these handmade card ideas!

To see more of Linda's über talent, please visit her Stampin' Seasons Blog!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PART OF THE STAMPIN' PRETTY PALS, TOO?  You are just a Starter Kit Deal away!  My Stampin' Pretty Pals welcome both hobby and career demonstrators to a friendly, FUN and low pressure environment.  We love discounts and are passionate about stamping.  There's no requirement to host workshops or sell. 

Learn more about Stampin' Up! benefits and discounts!

HOT TIP:  Save 30% on the Digital Starter Kit through May 31.

ALASKAN CRUISE UPDATE:  My travel book defines Ketchikan, Alaska as "wilderness nirvana."   Well put!  It's also the home of the Tlingit tribe and the world's largest totem pole collection.  I'll be checking out the historic homes (aka old "red light district") and shopping, too!  And the weather?  We're not in Tucson, AZ anymore, Dorothy!

CLICK TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7!

Simple Saturday Stampin' Up! 24/7

A charming stamp set plus an adorable punch.  The new Pretty Postage rubber stamps and coordinating Postage Stamp Punch went straight to My Top 10 Summer Mini Catalog Favorites.  Combos like these are the essence of simple handmade cards.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• A splashy mix of bright color is balanced by lots of Whisper White.
• The Stampin' Up! 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon creates a sweet finish when slipped through the button.  Watch my "WOW" video for tips.
• Keep buttons securely in place with Mini Glue Dots.

NEED INSPIRATION?  Find past projects using a specific Stampin' Up! stamp set or accessory by using my easy SEARCH TOOL.

COME STAMP WITH ME!  I'll demonstrate four step-by-step projects (displayed below) and plenty of  card making tips for you in my latest "Summer Mini Festival" on-line video class.  Take advantage of Early Bird Pricing!

Thanks, Rita, for this wonderful feedback on my new class: 

"I am full of excitement to take my first on-line class!!! Thank you so much!  I just love these little gifties!"

 CLICK TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7!

Stamp Set:  Pretty Postage (W123095, C123097), Happy Greetings (W123311, C123313)
Paper:  Pacific Point (111350), Real Red (102482), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Pacific Point (111837), Real Red (103133), Pumpkin Pie (105216)
Cool Tools:  3/16" Corner Punch (119871), Postage Stamp Punch (122355)
The Perfect Touch:  Brights Designer Buttons (119747), Pumpkin Pie 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119253), Pumpkin Pie 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (119760), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Headed to Alaska

I'm headed to Alaska with my husband, Scott, and daughter, Caroline, as part of the Stampin' Up! annual incentive trip.  We leave Seattle today on a Celebrity cruise ship for a week and are prepared to be dazzled by spectacular natural beauty and wildlife.  I promise to take photos and share! 

I have prepared a week of blog posts and card ideas for you on my Stampin' Pretty blog.  I will still be checking email for questions, orders and taking good care of my customers while I'm away, including a new exclusive offer for my Stampin' Pretty Preferred Customers.  Learn more about being a Stampin' Pretty Preferred Customer.

FILL YOUR STAMPIN' UP! WISH LIST AND SAVE!!! 

• Save 30% on the Digital Starter Kit.  Ends May 31.  Kit details.
• Save 30% on your first demonstrator order of $150+ (must be placed within 45 days of start).  An ideal time to stock up.
• Enjoy an everyday 20% discount on Stampin' Up! products.  View more discounts and benefits.
• See new products, new catalogs and pre-order before the customer sales periods begin.
• Be part of my Stampin' Pretty Pals virtual downline community, a resourceful, friendly and pressure-free environment.
• Hobby stampers are welcome.
• No requirement to hold workshops and no penalty to drop.

CLICK TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7!

PPA94 Punch Stardom

Memorial Day, 4th of July, birthday, graduation?  This card has star power for many occasions and is simple to make. It's my design for this week's Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge (PPA94).  See Margaret Moody's sketch below and click to so see more PPA Design Team Samples.  Play along this week!
STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• Sew easy.  Using the new Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine (Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog) and a big needle, I did a little cross stitching on More Mustard card stock (shaped with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch).
• Click and scroll to see all my past card ideas for products from the Summer Mini Catalog.
• I love the trio of elements in this week's PPA sketch.  The Star Punch made it a snap.  Other punches and dies to consider for this layout are butterflies, flowers and christmas ornaments. 
• More Mustard gives this 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" card both a vintage and patriotic feel when combined with Night of Navy and Cherry Cobbler.  
• Textured card stock (all but Whisper White) adds a rich and polish.

VIEW ALL STAMPIN' UP! DISCOUNTS AND PROMOTIONS IN ONE PLACE! 

 CLICK TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7!

Stamp Set:  Fabulous Phrases (W117002, C120501)
Paper:  Night of Navy Textured (Regals Textured Assortment (121076), More Mustard Textured (121076), Cherry Cobbler Textured (121076), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler (119669)
Cool Tools:  Star Punch (119875), Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (119275)
The Perfect Touch:  Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine (123125), Regals Designer Buttons (119744), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

PPA Sneak Peek and Stampin' Up! Sales Round-Up!

Here's a sneak peek of my Pals Paper Arts project for tomorrow's PPA challenge using the new Baker's Twine (Cherry Cobbler) from the Summer Mini Catalog.  Don't miss today's announcement of the Top Pals Paper Arts Picks from last week's PPA challenge.

 

STAMPIN' UP! SALES ROUND-UP!

SAVE 30% ON THE DIGITAL STARTER KIT thru May 31. Get a fabulous Stampin' Up! product starter kit that includes the full DVD version of our My Digital Studio Software (product and MDS valued at $320) for $122.50 and ships FREE.  Learn more!

MDS EXPRESS.  Ready to take the leap into digital scrapbooking?  Check out Stampin' Up!'s latest addition to the line-up:  My Digital Studio Express.

NEW MY DIGITAL STUDIO DOWNLOADS!!! See what was JUST added.

TOP 10 FAVORITES FROM THE SUMMER MINI.  Discover which 10 new products I think really define the new catalog.

 SAVE 30% DURING NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING MONTH!  Stampin' Up! has discounted select scrapbooking rubber stamps and products, including digital software bundles.  See National Scrapbooking Promotion.

LOVE FREE PRODUCT?  Here are three great ways to earn free stamps and merchandise when you place an order with me (including my Stampin' Pretty Rewards Program)!

JOIN THE FACEBOOK CONVERSATION!  My Stampin' Pretty facebook page is buzzing with the latest stamping discussions, product and technique ideas, tips and more. 

Click here to see what's happening.  New topic:  How long does it typically take you to make a card?"  Be sure to "like" me so you don't miss a thing!

CHECK IT OUT!  My latest on-line video class is getting rave reviews.  Click for class details and early bird pricing!

Here's what Misa had to say:

"I love all the projects you showed here. I'm glad I purchased this tutorial video, Mary!"

 

CLICK TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7!

The Ultimate Stamping Space--Feeling Displaced

Welcome to my new stamping space.  LOL!  I announced on my blog on Saturday (here's the post) that I'm in the process of revamping my stamping space to gain more counter space, storage space and pursue the the ultimate organization (at least that's the goal) of all my Stampin' Up! inks, tools, paper, ribbons and more. 

However, I'm in the "awkward" stage where the previous space has evaporated (thanks to Craig's List) and a makeshift stamping spot (card table for stamping and the floor for storage) present their challenges. At least my new maple floors are in.  Loving them.

My pug Isabel enjoys them, too.  Meanwhile, I'm planning my paint colors, hired an electrician to move my electrical outlets (counter height) and have the cabinet order rolling.  The date for cabinet/counter delivery is the second week of June.   I'll be exploring options and sharing lots more organizational tidbits until then.

The big question:  Will I be able to endure the chaos until then?  Let's just say, I don't do well with chaos or clutter.  Sasha found refuge on top of my tv cabinet when the floors were installed.  She appeared more relaxed (below) when I was videotaping my new on-line class.  I had to use our master bedroom when the floors were installed.  I feel like a bouncing ball :)

SPEAKING OF MY NEW CLASS . . . I managed to set Sasha aside and get it done!  Click for class details and early bird pricing!

Here's what Kathy R. had to say:

"I am particularly excited about the gift card bonus. I have young adult nieces who will love to open that! Thank you for all these wonderful ideas."

 

 CLICK TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7!

 

Mojo 191 Hello Baby!

Let's mojo!  This week's Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge helped me get my creative juices flowing on a baby card I needed pronto. The new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (middle setting) cropped out the So Saffron flowers in a flash.

STAMPIN' PRETTY TIPS:

• Need an introduction to the new Triple Layer Punch?  Watch this video to see a Stampin' Up! Triple Layer Punch in action.
• It just so happens that the sentiment (Teeny Tiny Wishes) matches the font for Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Lower.  True love!  However, keep an open mind.  Mixing fonts can be splashy, too!
• Mini Glue Dots keep the button securely in place.  The Stampin' Up! 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (Old Olive) slips through the buttons holes.  Simple.  See this 1 Minute to Wow Video Tutorial for more tips.

CHECK IT OUT!  My latest on-line video class is getting rave reviews.  Click for class details and early bird pricing!

Here's what Kathy R. had to say:

"I am particularly excited about the gift card bonus. I have young adult nieces who will love to open that! Thank you for all these wonderful ideas."

 

CLICK TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7!

Stamp Sets:  Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Lower (W120272, C120648), Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370)
Paper:  Nursery Suite Speciality Designer Series Paper (117165), Pear Pizzazz (119795), So Saffron (105118), Whisper White (100730)
Ink:  Pear Pizzazz (119784)
Cool Tools:  Blosom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (122464), 3/4" Circle Punch (119873), 1/2" Circle Punch (119869), 1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch (119854), 1 3/8" Circle Punch (119860)
The Perfect Touch:  Old Olive 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119256), Subtles Designer Buttons (119738), Jewels Basic Pearls (119247), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Pals Guest Stamper Sheila W.

Open your mouth and say "WOW!"  Sheila Weber, a member of my Stampin' Pretty Pals, turned the new Best Dad Ever rubber stamp set (Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog) into a crisp and classy card along with a coordinating pillow box. I love the handsome touch of silver brads.

Sorry, gang, no blog for Sheila yet.  However, please leave your comments for Sheila at the end of this post where she would love to hear from you!

RECIPE:

Stamp Set:  Best Dad Ever (W120399, C120681), Well Scripted (W117072, C118601)

Paper:  Basic Black (121045), Basic Gray (121044), Whisper White (100730)

Ink:  Basic Black (101179)

Tools:  Big Shot Die Cut Machine, (113439), Pillow Box Die (113466), Bone Folder (102300), Non-SU Scoring Tool, Non-SU XX Large Oval, 2" x 1-3/8" Oval Extra-Large (119859)

Accessories:  Basic Black 1-1/4” Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (115615), Non-SU Square Silver Brads (119740), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Sponge Daubers (102892)

JOIN MY STAMPIN' PRETTY PALS BY MAY 31 AND SAVE 30%!! Get a fabulous Stampin' Up! digital starter kit that includes Stampin' Up! products and the full DVD version of our popular My Digital Studio Software (product and MDS valued at $320) for $122.50 and ships FREE.  Learn more!

Here's what one of my Stampin' Pretty Pals recently had to say about being part of the group:

" . . . one of my wisest decisions ever . . . the support and resources here are over the top!"

 

 CLICK TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7!

Ready for the Ultimate Stamping Space Journey?

It started recently with the "peephole" in my ceiling above.  After much discussion, budgeting and planning, I decided to revamp my current stamping space into something much more efficient (more storage and counterspace, quick access), permanent (installed cabinets) and filled with fun organizational ideas. 

The picture above represents the first sign of light . . .  literally.  I wanted more natural light and have installed two 14" solar tubes in my stamping space (the loft was too dark).  Talk about "seeing the light!"  "Sky" (seriously, that's his name--how appropriate for a skylight guy) peeks through from my roof after the first full hole is cut.

I'll be using many of the ideas I learned from creating my original stamping zone and loft, PLUS introducing new ideas (many from readers) to make my Ultimate Stamping Space Journey complete.  Be ready to share advice as I'll look to you for input, too, along the way.  I still have plenty of decisions to make (paint colors or new ways to store ribbon, for example).  Ideas will be rolling while the dust flies on both on my Stampin' Pretty Blog and my Stampin' Pretty Facebook Fan Page.  STAY TUNED.

Even Isabel (my very social pug) gets in on the action.  She's digging the brighter space. The noise sent our new kitty, Sasha, to a quiet reprieve in the tv chest. 

HOT, HOT, HOT!  My new Summer Mini Festival Video Class is available and getting a fabulous response.  Click for class details and early bird pricing.

 CLICK TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ON-LINE 24/7!